TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR HOME FROM HURRICANES
During this year’s Atlantic
Hurricane Season (June 1-November 30), the Massachusetts Emergency Management
Agency (MEMA) urges homeowners to protect their property from strong winds,
damaging rains, and flooding that hurricanes or tropical storms can bring to
New England. “There are several steps which
we can all take to help make our homes more storm resistant,” said MEMA
Director Don Boyce. “Early planning and preparation can be the key to your
safety.” Here
are some examples of how to protect your property: ·
Learn the particular
hurricane risks for your area. Find
out if your home is subject to storm surge or inland flooding. ·
Make a record of your
personal property. Keep an itemized
list of your furniture, clothing and valuables to assist adjusters in case of
a claim. Back it up with photographs or video. ·
Protect your insurance
policies and other important documents in a secure place like a safe deposit
box or a watertight box. ·
Keep trees and
shrubbery trimmed. Remove diseased or damaged tree limbs that could be blown
down during a storm. ·
Clear clogged rain
gutters. Hurricanes/tropical storms often bring heavy rain. Providing clear
drainage will help prevent misdirected flooding. ·
Make sure storage
sheds or other outbuildings are securely anchored, either to a permanent
foundation or with straps and ground anchors. ·
Make temporary
plywood covers to protect windows and sliding doors. Drill holes for screws
or lag bolts in each cover and around each window. Use a numbering or
lettering system that shows which cover goes with which window. Store the
mounting screws or lag bolts with the covers in a place where they are
readily accessible. Note: Taping of windows does not prevent them from
breaking. ·
Make a list of
outdoor items to bring inside in case of a storm, such as lawn furniture,
trash barrels, hanging plants, toys and awnings. A list will help you
remember anything that can be broken or picked up by strong winds and used as
a missile. ·
Learn to safely shut
off utilities, as well as where gas pilots and water mains are located. ·
Close and lock doors
and windows to ensure that they are closed tight to help protect against
strong winds and rain. ·
Buy Flood Insurance.
Unlike damage from hurricane winds, water damage from coastal or inland
flooding is not covered by homeowners insurance. Contact your local insurance
agent or contact the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is
the state agency responsible for coordinating federal, state, local,
voluntary and private resources during emergencies and disasters in the |